Floristry Students at Capel Manor College to Design Chelsea Heritage Quarter’s 2026 Chelsea in Bloom Installation
Chelsea Heritage Quarter has announced an exciting competition inviting floristry students from Capel Manor College to design and install its official entry for Chelsea in Bloom 2026.
Taking place from 18–24 May 2026, Chelsea in Bloom is London’s largest free flower festival. Produced by Cadogan in collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society, the festival extends the internationally renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show into the surrounding streets of Chelsea, attracting over 1.5 million visitors and featuring more than 130 floral installations across the neighbourhood.
Now in its 21st year, the 2026 theme, “Out of this World,” invites designers to explore infinite inspiration: from the mysteries of the cosmos and astrology to mythology, ancient gods and spiritual symbolism.
Chelsea Heritage Quarter – a cultural partnership encompassing Royal Hospital Chelsea, National Army Museum and Chelsea Physic Garden – is challenging students to create a bold, sustainable floral installation that reflects both the festival theme and the Quarter’s heritage. This competition represents a unique chance for students to take part in the iconic festival and gain practical experience.
Capel Manor College is London’s environmental college, offering an array of land-based subjects including floristry and event styling, horticulture and professional landscaping and garden design. Students are immersed in a hands-on, creative and practical outdoor learning environment, The winning team will be responsible for designing and delivering the Quarter’s official entry, supported by a £7,500 budget. Entries will be judged on creative interpretation of the theme, alignment with Chelsea Heritage Quarter’s purpose and audiences, visual impact, practicality, sustainability and adherence to festival regulations.
The judging panel includes Gill Webber, Director of Chelsea Heritage Quarter; Heather Marks, Deputy Principal at Capel Manor College; a representative from the UK Floristry Guild; and Emily Hazel, Head of Plant Collections at Chelsea Physic Garden.
Gill Webber, Director at Chelsea Heritage Quarter said: “We are delighted to give Capel Manor College students the opportunity to take part in the nationally renowned Chelsea in Bloom flower festival. Chelsea Heritage Quarter includes the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the National Army Museum and Chelsea Physic Garden so students will have the stunning heritage backdrop of our venues for their installations – and they will have an audience of 1.5 million visitors to admire the winning design. We can’t wait to see their ideas!”
Louise Quigley, Head of Floristry, Event Styling and Creative Arts at Capel Manor College said: “Capel Manor College has a fantastic reputation within floristry training. Our students are taught by industry-expert tutors, and we work closely with employers to ensure our students are equipped with in-demand skills and knowledge. This competition is a great opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity and talent, and we’re grateful to Chelsea Heritage Quarter for recognising the importance of supporting newcomers as they prepare to enter the floristry industry.”
The winner will be determined on 24 March with the winning entry installed on 17 May.
